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May 29, 2020 9:30:19 AM By Barry Miller Dental Health,

Where Did You Go? : Back to "Normal" Covid 19 Pet Separation Anxiety Tips


No doubt, our pets have enjoyed spending more time with us at home during this pandemic.  But eventually things will go back to "normal" or they may already have for you and your pet. No matter how much we love our pets,  leaving the house and them home alone is a part of life as a pet owner. For some pets, this can cause anxiety and stress, resulting in mild to severe separation anxiety.
Even dogs that have previously been comfortable with daily separation from you may find it difficult. The transition between everyday compsionship to very little or no company is a big one for some pets.  Some breeds are more prone to it, and life changes, like you being present everyday to gone for most of it or a move to a new house or the loss of an important person, can cause separation anxiety.
It’s important to remember some of the symptoms of separation anxiety are similar to other behavioral conditions, such as a dog that is not fully house-trained. If you suspect your pet is suffering from anxiety, monitor and record his behavior patterns to discuss them with your veterinarian.
How Can I Help My Pet?
Separation anxiety can be hard on you as the pet owner too. If you have concern over your dog’s behaviors that may include urinating or defecating, excessive barking and howling, trying to escape or being destructive while you are away, try these vet recommended tips to help with your pet's separation anxiety.
If you are still working from home, try these four steps to prevent your pet's separation anxiety.
  1. Try to keep your pet's schedule the same as when you are gone all day.  Or ease back into your pre covid 19 schedule if you know you will be returning to work soon.  Take walks at the same time of day, keep the meal schedule the same, if your pet spends time in their crate each day start to re introduce that again.
  2. If you're working from home, don't be tempted to give your dog far more attention than you would in a normal day. Otherwise, it will be harder for your pet to get used to being alone once you've returned to work.
  3. Try to give your dog time alone during the day. This could be in a crate or in a different room to you. This will remind it of how to cope with its own company.  You can also leave dogs with a chew toy to help calm them down.
  4. If possible, try standing outside your front door without your dog for a few minutes, or even go into the garden without him. The lack of your constant presence will help your dog to maintain its confidence when it's alone.
  5. Start Small-Leave the dog alone for five minutes, then extend the time to 20 minutes, then to one hour. Continue to increase your time away until you’re able to leave for a full eight hours without problems occurring. Use treats and praise as positive reinforcement when your dog responds well.
If you are back to work, try these steps to help with your pet's separation anxiety.
  1. Take a walk or exercise. The physical stimulation will help tire the dog out and you will leave him in a quiet, resting mode. If you can’t take a walk, playing together or working on training before you leave will help mentally exhaust your dog before you depart.
  2. Don’t make it a big deal. Don’t pet your dog, talk to him or make eye contact when you leave — or even when you first return home. This helps him learn time apart is just business as usual.
  3. Stay calm. The dog can sense your concerned and guilty feelings as you’re getting ready to leave. When you’re calm and confident and project the energy that everything will be okay, the dog’s anxiousness will decrease.

If Your Dog  is Still Suffering?

If these steps don’t help your pet’s separation anxiety, ask your veterinarian to consider medical problems that may be contributing to the behaviors, such as incontinence or a medication that causes frequent urination. If it is not a medical issue and your veterinarian believes it is a behavior problem, your Veterinarian, a certified applied animal behaviorist or certified professional dog trainer may be able to help.
Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications can be prescribed too, but for best results, these drugs should be used along with a training plan to help the pet learn how to handle being left alone. Consider leaving your pet with a friend or family member, taking him to a pet daycare or even taking your pet to work with you, if you can, while you help your pet cope with anxiety in the short term.
There are also many products on the market for anxiety including homeopathic supplements and treats. Products like Hemp Oil Soft Chews, Reconcile or Feliway or Adaptil have been very helpful in decreasing anxiety in pets.
More about the use of Crates and Separation Anxiety?

Some dogs respond well to crate training because they learn their crate is a safe place to go. But for others, it can cause added stress and anxiety. Owners can observe the dog when he’s left in the crate while you are home. If he is panting heavily, trying to escape or persistently barking/howling, you may consider confining your dog to one room behind a baby gate instead. Leaving  toys that will keep them busy and distracted, or clothes you’ve recently worn as a scent cue can help your dog too.
Keep in mind …

Treatment for separation anxiety can be a gradual process. As you work with your pet through the separation anxiety, it’s important to remember you should not scold or punish your dog. Anxious behaviors are a distress response, and not a result of disobedience. If you punish him, he may become more upset and the problem could worsen.
To Your Pet's Good Health,
Dr. Barry
Sources:
https;henryscheinvet.com
 
May 28, 2020 3:19:00 PM By Barry Miller separation anxiety, Behavior,
May 21, 2020 10:02:47 AM By Barry Miller General Information,

May 6, 2020 1:58:08 PM By Barry Miller Flea & Tick,

Apr 22, 2020 11:08:05 AM By Barry Miller stick stuck safety, General Information,

COMMON ‘SILENT’ CAT KILLING DISEASES

Recently, I had a mysterious case of a 1 Year old cat that had suddenly fallen ill with diarrhea, vomiting and was drinking excessive amounts of water.  The bloodwork showed distressed kidneys with elevated BUN and creatinine levels.  Typically, kidney disease is an older cat disease so the fact this cat was only 1 year old was very atypical.  While discussing the bloodwork with the family they mentioned that someone in their family had recently passed away. And that’s when it struck me!  I asked them if they brought any plants or flowers back to their home after the funeral, the answer was yes.  This confirmed one of the two possibilities I was considering as the cause of kidney failure in a young cat. Either Anti-freeze poisoning or plant toxicity.  This young cat had the opportunity to eat, drink the water from or breathe in the pollen from a Lily Plant .The Lily plant can be very toxic to cats, the leaves, the water or even the pollen are all toxic and can cause Kidney failure. So, I consider this case of Kidney failure a silent cat killer.

To protect your pets from Silent Cat Killing diseases, knowledge is your best weapon. Knowledge of how cats typically show signs of illness and a knowledge of the common diseases that like a thief in the night can cause illness and death in our furry friends. Today’s blog discusses the signs cat show when ill and four of the common and often silent diseases of cats.

Cats are best known for their independent but loving natures. When cats don't feel well it can be difficult to determine what is wrong with them, but it is especially hard for cat owners to notice symptoms unless they are watching for abnormal signs or deviations from normal behavior. By their inherent nature cats instinctively protect themselves from predators by hiding weakness or illness. There obviously may not be a predatory threat in your home but even in single pet homes this inherited behavior can be present

How to know if your cat is sick:

By the time you notice something is wrong with your cat, it might have been going on for a longer amount of time than you think. Be on the look our for these signs they do not feel well:

  1. Vomiting is not normal in cats. Some people think it's ok for a cat to vomit every few days, but it's not. Things like rare vomiting or the occasional hairball are not a concern but vomiting more than this warrants a trip to the veterinarian.
  2. Diarrhea 
  3. Loss of appetite can be normal for cats, but it still should not be ignored.
  4. Increased appetite may also be a concern, especially if it comes on suddenly in an older cat.  Increased appetite should not be ignored, even in younger cats. If nothing else, it can lead to overeating and obesity.
  5. Weight changes in cats are always concerning, whether it's gain or loss
  6. Lethargy is a sign of a problem, even if it's subtle. Contact your vet if your cat seems to be lying around a lot, sleeping more than usual, or just generally has a low energy level. There is probably something going on with your cat's health.
  7. Increased thirst can mean many things in cats.
  8. Changes in urination are always important to address.
  9. Changes in breathing like wheezing rapid breathing, shortness of breath, and raspy breathing should never be ignored. Discharge from eyes or nose indicates a possible upper respiratory infection. This can make your cat feel ill and stop eating. It may be contagious to other cats in your home. Your vet may recommend medications to help your cat recover faster.
  10. Ear debris or discharge might mean your cat has an ear infection or even parasites like ear mites.
  11. Skin irritation or hair loss may be a sign of allergies, external parasites, or another skin condition.
  12. Increased vocalization may mean your cat is sick, in pain, stressed or just bored. It's important to rule out a health issue first before you explore the behavioral side of this issue.
  13. Overgrooming may be behavioral, but it could also mean your cat has a skin issue or is in pain. If you notice overgrooming, start with a vet visit to try to get to the root of the problem.
  14. Personality changes may be normal when they happen over time, especially as your cat ages. However, if your normally friendly cat is showing aggression, or your happy, confident cat is suddenly acting afraid, there is a need to further explore with your vet. If your cat seems confused or disoriented, then its an even more urgent situation.
  15. Limping and trouble jumping up are signs of an injury or a condition like arthritis.
  16. Swelling in any area of the body should not be ignored. It may be a wound that has turned into an abscess. It could even be a tumor.
  17. Bad breath or drooling and bleeding from the mouth.

 4 Common Silent Diseases:

1.  High Blood Pressure or Hypertension 

High blood pressure can be the primary cause of several health issues within cats. Because obvious clinical signs are not always present, it also can be easily overlooked. The best time to diagnose high blood pressure is before any type of damage is done, and the only way to achieve that is during regular visits. 

Hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, renal insufficiency, hepatic and cardiac insufficiency, hyperadrenocorticism, neoplasia and obesity are just a few of the many diseases that can cause high blood pressure in cats. There are also certain drugs that can have the same effect, including phenylpropanolamine (PPA), phenylephrine, theophylline, aminophylline, glucocorticoids, erythropoietin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

The most common symptom of hypertension in cats is abnormality with vision, including dilated pupils that do not constrict with light, blood in the eye and blindness. Other clinical signs of high blood pressure in cats can include:

  • Decreased/increased appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Increased urination and water consumption
  • Weight loss
  • Heart murmur
  • Seizures
  • Abnormal behavior
  • Collapse
  • Proteinuria
  • Hematuria

2.Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) sometimes called chronic renal failure or chronic kidney injury, is a top silent killer of cats. CKD causes a 75 percent failure of both the kidneys. All symptoms are observable, symptoms include excessive drinking and urinating, larger bowel movements, weight loss, bad breath, lethargy and hiding.

Common causes of kidney disease in cats include:

  • Bacterial infection of kidney tissues (pyelonephritis)
  • Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis)
  • Blockage of the kidney (ureteral obstruction with hydronephrosis)
  • Household toxins like antifreeze or medications or plants/flowers
  • Damage to tubules (tubulointerstitial disease)
  • Damage to filters (glomerular disease)
  • Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), an inflammatory disease commonly found in domestic and wild cats
  • Cancer
  • Heredity

3.Diabetes Mellitus

Just as in human beings, diabetes mellitus (DM) is more common in cats that are overweight or obese. There are also two types. The most common symptoms in cats are increased thirst and urination, but other symptoms include hunger, weight loss, lethargy, depression and vomiting.

Because the symptoms of this disease are very similar to those of other diseases, such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism, diagnosis most often comes from careful examination and charting of symptoms over time. For that reason, it is important to have regular wellness visits as they are crucial to the ongoing care and health of your cat.

4.Cancer

Gastrointestinal cancer is the most common type found in cats, but veterinarians are finding more and more occurrences of cancer in pets as cats and dogs are starting to live longer. Here are a few tips to lower your cats’ risk of dying from cancer:

  1. Spay. it lowers the risk of developing mammary adenocarcinoma.
  2. Keep cats inside. Indoor cats typically live longer than outdoor cats because it limits the amount of potential dangers, but it also keeps them out of the sun, protecting them against squamous cell cancer on their ears, nose and eyelids.
  3. Pay attention. This means learning the potential symptoms and looking out for them.

Never underestimate the importance of routine veterinary care for cats. Annual veterinary exams are essential for cats even senior cats that never go outside and appear healthy.  Senior cats can benefit from biannual check-ups and routine lab work and if you suspect your cat is showing signs of illness it is very important to see your Veterinarian. Annual exams or visits for a suspected illness give the vet an opportunity to examine your cat when he appears healthy or the chance to find abnormalities on the exam that indicate a minor problem before your cat becomes sick. Early detection might mean you and your vet can take action before the illness is serious. I think sometimes my clients bring their pets for an exam and wonder if they were foolish for doing so if the exam finds nothing wrong.  This is not the case; it is far better to know for sure that nothing is wrong than wait and then find out disease is present, and it is at a stage much more costly and difficult to treat!

To Your Pet’s Good Health,

Dr. Barry

Sources

http://veterinarycalendar.dvm360.com/high-blood-pressure-cats-silent-killer-proceedings

http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/cat-checkups-preventive-care/5-silent-killers-cats

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/hypertension-or-high-blood-pressure-in-cats

http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/cat-diseases-conditions-a-z/10-common-causes-kidney-disease-cats

http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/cat-diseases-conditions-a-z/diabetes-mellitus-cats

http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/cat-diseases-conditions-a-z/cancer-and-cats-what-every-pet-parent-should-know

https://www.thesprucepets.com/signs-your-cat-is-sick-4165142

 

Feb 17, 2020 4:08:04 PM By Barry Miller General Information,

Dealing with Itchy Itches: Not so Innocent

It often starts with a simple itch!  An irritation that has to be nibbled at and licked until, before you know it, your pet’s itchy spot has turned into an oozing, red, painful patch of bare skin. Quick to develop, hot spots are a nuisance!

Acute Moist Dermatitis, commonly referred to as a Hot Spot, and is also known as a type of pyoderma, is a localized skin infection that can occur anywhere on the body and often in more than one area. Hot spots are often triggered by scratching, licking, or chewing the affected area. The resulting trauma to the skin causes inflammation and secondary bacterial infections. Unfortunately, this self-trauma only makes the area itchier, which causes a self-perpetuating cycle of itching and scratching.  While warm and humid weather seems to be the catalyst, any time of the year a hot spot can appear if your pet constantly licks and chews at their skin.

In small animal veterinary practices, pyoderma is one of the leading reasons for a Veterinarian to prescribe systemic antimicrobial agents.1 Pyoderma in dogs is most commonly caused by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius with other staphylococci being involved in less than 10% of cases.2,3 These superficial infections are rarely life-threatening but can significantly increase canine morbidity, leading to decreases in quality of life through subsequent pain, inflammation and pruritus.

CAUSES OF HOT SPOTS

The underlying cause of a hot spot can be anything that triggers an itch. If the itching turns into severe scratching and chewing, the resulting damage to the surface of the skin will prompt rapid bacterial growth. The more damage, the more bacteria, and the greater the itch. Further scratching helps to progressively worsen the hot spot, and the affected area will enlarge quickly. It is a painful cycle for your pet.

Possible causes of hot spots, include: 

  • Skin parasites, such as fleas and mites
  • Allergies, including food, contact, and airborne
  • Insect bites or stings
  • Ear infections
  • Grooming problems, including hair that is matted or tangled or skin that is dirty
  • Psychological issues, such as boredom, anxiety, or depression
  • Medical conditions resulting in pain that causes the animal to lick and bite an area.

Hot spots can be found on any dog or cat, but the following dog breeds seem more susceptible: Newfoundlands, Pyrenees, and Golden Retrievers or any other dog that have heavy and hairy ears or animals with thick coats and long hair.

SYMPTOMS OF HOT SPOTS

A hot spot can often begin as a small red area that you may mistake for an insect bite. But unlike an insect bite, a hot spot will rapidly worsen and spread, developing into a hot, red, oozing, and painful lesion. Hot spots are very painful, and may cause the animal to be easily irritated or lash out uncharacteristically. 

The signs of hot spots include:

  • Intense itching
  • Sudden onset of a warm, painful and swollen patch of skin that enlarges quickly
  • Lesion that exudes pus and has a foul smell
  • Rapid loss of hair in the area of the lesion.

 

How to Treat a Hot Spot or Bacterial Skin Infection

The steps to treat an animal with a hot spot typically involve the following:

  • Clip any hair that is over the hot spot. Trimming the hair back will let air reach the area to dry it out and also expose the entire surface area of the hot spot lesion
  • Clean the lesion with a mild antiseptic wash. Washing with a mild antiseptic will help to clear the infection from the lesion by removing any surface bacteria and discharge
  •  Allow the skin to dry thoroughly
  • Apply a topical antibiotic/anti-inflammatory ointment, such as an antibiotic steroid cream or powder. Antibiotics will reach the infection in the deeper skin layers. The anti-inflammatory most often prescribed is cortisone, which reduces the itching and discomfort, and stops the animal from scratching and causing further damage to its skin
  • If the animal continues to traumatize the area, the veterinarian may prescribe an Elizabethan collar

Research Shows that One Product is Better than the rest

The increasing phenomenon of antimicrobial resistance has been documented in the veterinary literature, prompting the need for alternative therapies to systemic drugs.4–6

To avoid contributing to antimicrobial resistance, Research suggests a shift away from systemic antibiotic use, which can be associated with bacterial resistance, towards the use of topical antiseptics that have different modes of action.

Previous studies have evaluated the antimicrobial effects of topical sprays and shampoos; however, these products are not always practical for owners to apply, especially if the dog has a very long or dense coat. As a result, alternative application formats such as mousses have been developed.

The purpose in one study, was to evaluate the residual antibacterial activity of five different mousse products against S. pseudintermedius (the most common bacterial infection with hot spots) in vitro after in vivo application on canine hairs. In this study Researchers found that treating dogs with the 5 different mousses had surprising results. Some mousses had no effect on the dog’s skin bacterial count and others had some decrease but only ONE had the best results even after 14 days compared to the dog’s skin before treatment.  So, what was the best product:

DOUXO Chlorhexidine PS Plus Climbazole Mousse 200 ml

Click here to learn more: https://vetapprovedrx.pharmacy/douxo-chlorhexidine-ps-plus-climbazole-mousse-200-ml.html

 

PREVENTION

The following information may help your pet from experiencing the discomfort of hot spots:

  • When the weather is hot and humid, thoroughly dry the coat of your pet after they have had a bath or have been swimming
  • Good grooming practices should be followed. For example:
    • Comb and brush coat regularly to remove tangles, prevent matting, and get rid of any foreign debris that may cause an irritation to the skin
    • A simple solution, bathe your pet when dirty
  • Use flea and tick control preventives regularly
  • Routinely wash bedding
  • Deter your pet from licking.

Licking an itch seems like a harmless thing to let your pet do, after all we as humans are known to scratch at an itch too. We can relate. But when a pet repeatedly licks and scratches the same area they are prone to painful, swollen and sometimes infected skin areas as a consequence. Hot spots are an itchy and painful problem for your dog or cat, and may become a recurring issue if the underlying condition is not addressed. So it is best to discuss with and bring to the attention of your Veterinarian any area of skin you feel your pet can not stop itching, biting or scratching. Fortunately, with good management, your dog’s hot spot will resolve quickly and will not result in any permanent damage.

To your pet’s good health,

Dr. Barry

Sources

http://www.akc.org/content/health/articles/treating-and-preventing-hot-spots-on-dogs/

http://www.wideopenpets.com/3-common-skin-parasites-dogs-cats/ 

Residual antibacterial activity of canine hair treated with five mousse products against Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in vitro Sara J. Ramos* , Michelle Woodward*, Sarrah M. Hopp

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/treating-and-preventing-hot-spots-on-dogs/

Jan 20, 2020 11:54:33 AM By Barry Miller itchy skin hot spot, Allergy,

Tips for a spookily safe Halloween

Halloween Safety
October 31, 2019

Tips for a Spookily Safe Halloween
Cobwebs, candy, gremlins and gourds — it’s no trick, Halloween is right around the corner! But before you turn that porch light on for the evening’s parade of costumed characters, make sure you know how to keep your pet secure and comfortable. In our four-part series on Halloween safety, we’ll share the best ways to help your pet have a ghoulishly good time, starting with these tips.

Keep them inside
The best place for cats and dogs on Halloween night is inside and away from the front door. The constant opening and closing of the door for trick-or-treaters may cause your animal some distress, not to mention all of the strange costumes and voices coming from the other side. Keeping your animals confined ensures Fluffy will not dart out the door in fear and Fido will not lunge at the unsuspecting visitors. And while opinions vary on the issue, some people believe Halloween is especially dangerous for balck cats, who may be subjected to cruelty and pranks.

Know before you glow
Glow sticks, jack-o-lantern candles and electric decorations can all pose a risk to animals. The liquid in glow sticks is nontoxic but can cause an animal to vomit if swallowed. The flames of candles can obviously cause burns, but an even greater risk is that of fire if your pet knocks over the pumpkin (Preventive Vet offers these ideas for candle alternatives). Keep power cords for electric decorations out of reach to prevent your pet from chewing them or becoming tangled.

Decorate with care
Beyond lighting risks, pet owners should be careful with some other common decorations. Faux spider web material could ensnare your kitty or cause an extreme gastrointestinal obstruction if swallowed. Corn cobs and balloons are two other items that can be dangerous for animals when inhaled or ingested.

Stash treats away
Some ingredients in Halloween candy (notably chocolate and the sugar substitute xylitol) are toxic to animals. Keep candy out of reach before trick-or-treating commences and closely monitor the bowl while passing out treats. You should also avoid leaving sweet treats out as table centerpieces or décor during Halloween parties.

Make conscious costume decisions
Pets in costumes are only the most adorable thing ever, but are you sacrificing your animal’s wellbeing for the perfect Instagram shot? Some costumes can restrict the senses or create a hazard.

Tag your friends
Even with proper precautions, it’s possible your pet could slip out an open door or gate. Prepare for this worst-case scenario by making sure your dog or cat is wearing a collar with up-to-date identification information and has been properly microchipped.

Be aware, but have fun!
Halloween is a silly, scary and downright fun holiday for children and adults alike. There’s no reason our four-legged friends can’t enjoy it, too. With a little extra vigilance, we can keep them safe and comfortable while we enjoy all the frightful festivities.

 

Sources

https://www.petful.com/behaviors/how-dangerous-is-halloween-for-black-cats/

https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/halloween-pet-safety

https://www.preventivevet.com/cats/light-up-your-pumpkin-not-your-pets

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/halloween-safety-tips

https://www.petmd.com/dog/seasonal/evr_multi_halloween_safety_tips

https://northamerica.covetrus.com/resource-center/blogs/animal-health/animal-health/2019/10/31/tips-for-a-spookily-safe-halloween

 

Oct 31, 2019 10:56:36 AM By Barry Miller safe halloween, General Information,

DIY e-collar pet Halloween costume | Flower

flower-blog

Halloween is quickly approaching! Are you in need of a fun, creative costume for your pet? Check out this easy DIY Halloween flower costume using an e-collar and a few other supplies.

Supplies you will need:
- Felt or fleece in any colors you like
- Fabric glue
- Scissors
- Cardboard to creat a template for petals
- Permanent marker
- E-Collar

Step 1: Measure the needed length of petal to cover your E-Collar, then draw the petal(s) on the cardboard. Cut your flower petal(s) out of cardboard. 

Step 2: With a permanent marker and the cardboard petal template, trace your petals onto the fleece or felt then cut out. The number of petals needed will depend on the size of your e-collar.

Flower Costume

Step 3: Arrange and glue petals onto the e-collar, creating three layers. Don't position petals with much overlap over the e-collar or the fabric will not stand upright. 
 
Halloween Costume
  
Step 4: Let glue dry completely then try out your pet's new flower Halloween costume! (Do not leave your pet unattended while wearing their costume)

Halloween Costume


  **Please consult your veterinarian when sizing your pet for an e-collar.**
Reference:
Oct 24, 2019 11:36:29 AM By Barry Miller costume, General Information,

Sep 30, 2019 8:48:18 AM By Barry Miller General Information,
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